Winter hiking in Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota? Yes! While Minnesota – or MinneSNOWta – is notorious for its heavy snowfalls and frigid temps, it offers the best hiking in the winter. This post features a list of the best winter hikes in the Twin Cities metro area of Minneapolis and St. Paul.
I’m planning to explore more of my favorite hiking trails within 50 miles of the Twin Cities and on Minnesota’s North Shore this winter. Additionally, many of Minnesota’s 66 state parks offer the best winter hikes in Minnesota. Several are featured in this post of the best winter hikes in Minnesota.
And if hiking is not your thing, you can still enjoy Minnesota in the winter. See my popular post: 90 things to do in Minnesota this winter.
The top-ranked Minnesota winter hiking trails
Here is a list of the best winter hikes in Minnesota – ranked by distance from the Minneapolis-St. Paul (MSP) International Airport.
Winter hiking: Fort Snelling State Park; Bloomington, MN
One of the best places to hike right in the Twin Cities this winter is Fort Snelling State Park in Bloomington, Minn. You’ll find several winter hiking trails, and I especially love Pike Island hiking trail at Fort Snelling State Park. It’s an easy, flat trail along the shores of both the Minnesota and Mississippi River. And eventually ends up where these two rivers meet – called a confluence.
Distance from Twin Cities: Fort Snelling State Park in St. Paul / Bloomington, MN, is conveniently located in the Twin Cities. It’s located two miles from the Minneapolis-St. Paul International (MSP) airport.
Trail length: 3.7 miles
Trail difficulty: Easy
Admission: Minnesota state park admissions is $7 per vehicle per day or $35 for an annual vehicle pass (unlimited visits to all 66 Minnesota state parks and 9 Minnesota recreation areas for 12 months from the month of purchase). Most Minnesota state parks offer groomed winter hiking trails.
Best winter hike: Crosby Farm Regional Park; St. Paul, MN
One of the top-ranked parks in the Twin Cities is Crosby Farm Regional Park in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Crosby Farm Regional Park is actually right across the river from Fort Snelling State Park. It’s great for snowshoeing and fat-tire biking also. And we saw a one-dog kick sled while winter hiking at Crosby Farm Regional Park. I need to check out the slot canyon at this St. Paul park.
Distance from Twin Cities: Crosby Farm Regional Park is only 2.5 miles from Minneapolis – St. Paul (MSP) airport.
Trail length: 2.1 miles
Trail difficulty: Moderate
Admission: Admission is free at Crosby Farm Regional Park.
Have you ever seen a slot canyon? One of our favorite family destinations: Lower Antelope Canyon in Page, Arizona.
Frozen waterfall winter hike: Minnehaha Regional Park; Minneapolis, MN
If you love chasing frozen waterfalls like me, Minnehaha Regional Park is one of the best winter hikes in the Twin Cities, Minnesota. And it’s easy access to see the magical frozen Minnehaha waterfall (a short walk from the parking lot). See my related post: Epic guide to the best frozen waterfalls in Minnesota.
The stairs leading down to the Minnehaha waterfall are typically closed in the winter. However, you can get to the lower level at other access points. And you can hike along Minnehaha Creek or extend your hike to other neighboring parks.
Distance from Twin Cities: Minnehaha Regional Park in Minneapolis is approximately 4 miles from MSP.
Trail length: 2.1 miles
Trail difficulty: Moderate
Admission: Admission to Minnehaha Regional Park in Minneapolis and parking on neighborhood streets is free. You will need to pay for parking in the nearby paid lots
Urban winter hike: Summit Ave historical district; St. Paul, MN
One of my favorite urban walking tours for winter hiking in the Twin Cities is the iconic Summit Ave. The prettiest street in the Twin Cities features 400 historical homes built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Distance from Twin Cities: The Summit Ave Historical District is within the Twin Cities and 8 miles from the MSP International Airport.
Trail length: 4.5 miles
Trail difficulty: Easy (although some of the paved sidewalks may be uneven, cobblestone, brick, etc.)
Admission: No admission.
Mississippi National River and Recreation Area in Minnesota; Minneapolis, MN
Another favorite urban hiking trail right in the Twin Cities is near Mill Ruins Park in Minneapolis. It’s part of the 72-mile Mississippi River and Recreation Area. This national park also includes state and regional parks (such as Fort Snelling State Park and Minnehaha Regional State Park also mentioned in this post) as well as national wildlife refuges.
Start at the Mill City Museum that faces the Mississippi River. Then hike across the pedestrian Stone Arch Bridge to Father Hennepin State Park. Then take a left to explore the oldest street in Minneapolis – the historic Main Street. You can finish the loop by crossing the Third Avenue Bridge and return to the Mill City Museum area.
See my related posts: Riverfront disasters walking tour: I-35W Bridge Remembrance Garden and Top 10 walking tours in the Twin Cities – Minneapolis and St. Paul.
Distance from Twin Cities: Mississippi National River and Recreation Areas is located in Minneapolis, approximately 9 miles from MSP.
Trail length: 3.2 miles
Trail difficulty: Easy
Admission: Admission to Mill Ruins Park and most attractions along this trail (other than the Mill City Museum) is free.
Unique winter hike in the Twin Cities: Caponi Art Park; Eagan, MN
One of the coolest winter hikes in the Twin Cities is also a sculpture garden. Located in Eagan, MN, Caponi Art Park, a cool sculpture garden, in Eagan, MN – which is also located in the Minneapolis – St. Paul metro area. This outdoor gallery and sculpture tour is easy and features 30 art exhibits along this winter hike. Surrounded by 60 acres of woods, you can find interpretative signs along the trail as well as an interpretative map on the Caponi Art Park website.
Distance from Twin Cities: Caponi Art Park in Eagan, MN, one of the easiest hiking trails near Minneapolis and St. Paul, is about 10 miles from MSP.
Trail length: 1.4 mile loop
Trail difficulty: Easy
Admission: Admission to the Caponi Art Park is free; however, donations are appreciated.
Best winter hikes in the Twin Cities: Lebanon Hills Regional Park; Eagan, MN
One of the best winter hikes in the Twin Cities is also the largest park in Dakota County. Located in Eagan, Minnesota (a suburb of Minneapolis and St. Paul), features 15 miles of hiking trails. The more popular hiking trail at Lebanon Hills Regional Park is the 5.3-mile Lebanon Hills Loop. This winter hike takes you around several lakes and wooded areas. You can also snowshoe on groomed trails on on the lake here.
Distance from Twin Cities: Lebanon Hills Regional Park in Eagan, Minn. is located about 10 miles from the Minneapolis – St. Paul (MSP) International Airport..
Trail length: 5.3-mile loop
Trail difficulty: Moderate
Admission: Admission to Lebanon Hills Regional Park in Eagan, MN is free. Snowshoe rentals are available at an extra cost.
Winter wonderland hike in the Twin Cities metro: Ritter Farm Park; Lakeville, Minn.
Ritter Farm Park in Lakeville, Minn. is conveniently located off I-35 in the southern metro of the Twin Cities. It’s one of my favorite winter hikes as it’s within walking distance from my home. I especially love hiking here in the winter right after a fresh snowfall. My husband and I also learned how to X-ski at Ritter Farm Park – a fun way to embrace winter in Minnesota.
Distance from Twin Cities: Ritter Farm Park in Lakeville, MN is located about 20 miles from MSP.
Trail length: 3.2 mile loop
Trail difficulty: Easy with some moderate inclines
Admission: Admission to Ritter Farm Park in Lakeville, MN is free.
Beautiful winter hike views at Spring Lake Park Preserve, MN
If you’re looking for beautiful views on a winter hike, then check out Schaar’s Bluff Trail at the Spring Lake Park Preserve in Hastings, Minn. You’ll capture sweeping views of the longest river in the United States: the Mississippi River.
Did you know the Mississippi River headwaters (where it starts) is located in Minnesota? And that the Mississippi River has lakes? See my related posts: Top things to do at Itasca State Park: Minnesota State Park Challenge and Guide to Frontenac State Park in Minnesota.
Distance from Twin Cities: Spring Lake Park Preserve, MN, located in Hastings, MN, is 22 miles from the MSP International Airport.
Trail length: 2.1 mile loop
Trail difficulty: Easy
Admission: Admission to Spring Lake Park Preserve in Hastings, MN is free.
Easy winter hike in the Twin Cities: Cleary Lake Regional Park; Prior Lake, MN
One of the best and easy winter hikes to get some vitamin D and shake cabin fever is Cleary Lake Regional Park. This gentle 3.35-mile paved trail around Cleary Lake and through the woods in Prior Lake, Minnesota is an easy winter hike. And is a popular dog-friendly winter hiking trail in the Twin Cities. Or if you’re looking for a little adventure, try cross-crossing skiing where you’ll find a few steep ski runs (extra fee to use the ski trails).
Distance from Twin Cities: Cleary Lake Regional Park is located in Prior Lake, MN – 24 miles from the Minneapolis – St. Paul (MSP) International Airport.
Trail length: 3.35-mile loop; you can also connect with the Big Woods Regional Trail for a longer winter hike
Trail difficulty: Easy
Admission: Admission is free at Cleary Lake Regional Park (X-skiing is extra)
Beautiful winter hiking at Afton State Park; Hastings, MN
Minnesota is also home to another beautiful waterway: the St. Croix River. And one of the best winter hikes overlooking the St. Croix River is North River Hiking Trail at Afton State Park in Hastings, Minn. This hiking trail also takes you alongside the river and then eventually to a beautiful view. See my related guide to Afton State Park in Minnesota.
Distance from Twin Cities: Afton State Park in Hastings, MN is 28 miles from the Twin Cities.
Trail length: 3.8 miles
Trail difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Admission: Admission to Afton State Park in Hastings, Minn. is $7 per day or $35 for an annual Minnesota State Park pass (unlimited visits to all state parks and recreation areas for 12 months from the month of purchase).
Winter hiking at William O’Brien State Park; Marine On St. Croix, MN
In addition to cross-country skiing trails, you can do some winter hiking or snowshoeing at William O’Brien State Park in Marine On St. Croix, Minn. The groomed 2.7-mile offers Riverside Trail Loop, an easy winter hike with beautiful views of the St. Croix River.
Distance from Twin Cities: William O’Brien State Park in Hastings, MN is 42 miles from the Twin Cities.
Riverside Trail Loop (hiking club trail) length: 2.7-mile loop
Trail difficulty: Easy
Admission: Admission to William O’Brien State Park in Hastings, Minn. is $7 per day or $35 for an annual Minnesota State Park pass (unlimited visits to all state parks and recreation areas for 12 months from the month of purchase).
Winter hiking on Cannon Valley Trail in Cannon Falls, Minnesota
Cannon Valley Trail is one of my recommended stops in my epic guide to the best frozen waterfalls in Minnesota. It’s also one of the best hiking trails near the Twin Cities. And offers lots of cold-weather activities such as winter hiking, x-skiing, snowshoeing, fat-tire biking, and skate skiing. Please follow the appropriate groomed hiking trails on the Cannon Valley Trail. See also their website for some seasonal closings.
Distance from Twin Cities: Cannon Falls is located 35 miles from the MSP International Airport.
Trail length: Various from a short walk to several miles.
Trail difficulty: Easy
Admission: Winter hiking on the Cannon Valley Trail is free; however, there is a fee for other winter activities.
Solitary winter hike at Caron Falls Park; Northfield, Minnesota
Do you enjoy winter hikes where you feel like you’re the only person in the world? Then I recommend Caron Falls Regional Park hiking trail in Rice County, Minnesota. This three-mile loop / out-and-back hiking trail in a magical woodland is beautiful in the winter. And is home to a sweet frozen waterfall. See my related post: Epic guide to the best frozen waterfalls in Minnesota.
Distance from Twin Cities: Caron Falls Trail in Rice County, Minnesota (near Northfield and only three miles from Nerstrand Big Woods State Park) is 49 miles from the MSP International Airport.
Trail length: 3 miles
Trail difficulty: Easy
Admission: Admission to Caron Falls Trail in Northfield, MN is free.
Other beautiful hiking trails in Minnesota
You’ll find even more beautiful hiking trails outside of that 50-mile radius of the Twin Cities, such as Barn Bluff North and South Trails in Red Wing, Minn., Nerstrand Big Woods State Park (both only 52 miles away) and the very popular Taylor’s Falls (aka Interstate State Park) is 57 miles away (much closer if you’re in the north metro) and Frontenac State Park (64 miles, but closer if you’re in the south metro).
We’re not always covered in snow or dangerously cold in MinneSNOWta in the winter. One of my favorite winter hikes when it was relatively balmy was Sibley State Park in New London, Minn.
And when the stairs are ice-free, I highly recommend this cardio winter hike at John A. Latsch State Park. It’s only a mile-hike roundtrip, but it’s several hundred steps up – and then back down. Nearby Garvin Heights Park in Winona, Minn. offers a great stair-climbing winter hike  (when it’s snow- and ice-free) with gorgeous views.
Check out my related post of the top 16 winter hikes in Minnesota.
Top to-do bucket list winter hikes in the Twin Cities
I’ve hiked several more trails in the Twin Cities during the spring, summer, and fall. So am looking forward to exploring them as part of my best winter hikes in the Twin Cities series. Until then, check out my reviews during fair-weather times.
- Best hiking trails in and near Minnesota and St. Paul, Minnesota
- Reviews of hiking trails within 50 miles of Duluth, Minnesota
- Top hiking trails within 50 miles of Lake Minnetonka, MN
- Guide to the best hiking trails within 50 miles of Rochester, MN
Best winter hikes on the North Shore in Minnesota
And I especially love winter hiking on the North Shore in Minnesota. See my related posts:
- Epic guide to frozen waterfalls in Minnesota
- Non-skier guide to Lutsen Mountains – largest ski resort in the Midwest
- Best ski-in and ski-out place to stay on the North Shore in the winter: Caribou Highlands Lodge in Lutsen, Minnesota
Winter hiking safety tips in Minnesota
While hiking in Minnesota is pretty magical, it can get dangerously cold. Here are a few winter hiking tips to help keep you safe (and warm) in Minnesota.
- Check trail conditions and wear waterproof and warm boots with good tread, and bring along hiking poles, and metal spikes like crampons.
- Ice is never 100% safe – must be at least 4 inches to safely walk on; if you see or hear any open water, stay off the ice!
- See related post: Deer hunt winter hiking safety tips in Minnesota
- Stay on the groomed trails when possible – venturing off even inches can find yourself in knee-deep snow and dangerously close to steep drop-offs (we discovered that at George Crosby Manitou State Park)
- Watch the weather reports.
- Let others know where you are hiking and when you’re expected to return.
- Avoid night hiking in remote locations (the sun sets super early in the winter and temperatures drop fast; be mindful that winter hiking takes longer than normal)
- Stay off snowmobile trails – stick to designated hiking trails to avoid any collisions, injuries, and even death
- In every season, be aware of your surroundings because landslides can occur
What to pack for a winter day hike
Learn what I never leave home without when going on a day hike – the best day hiking packing list – for winter or summer.
Pin it for later: Best winter hikes in and near the Twin Cities
They all look so lovely and cool as I’m sitting in 37 degrees in Australia. Would love to visit one day.
I hope you get the opportunity! The Twin Cities in Minnesota offers some really pretty hiking trails in the winter.,
I love a good hike – Winter, spring, summer, or fall. So many hikes near the twin cities – time to get outside.
Thanks! So many great hiking trails in every season – even winter – in Minnesota.
I love your blog and hiking! Thanks for being so informative!
You’re welcome and thank you! Love sharing what I discover!
Squeee so many great options! I am a huuuge fan of frozen waterfalls so I know I would LOVE some of the Minnesota trails!
Cold days are so much better when you get out hiking aren’t they!?
They are! It took me a long time to embrace winter. But hiking definitely helps get me through the long winter months. I know you would love the frozen waterfall hikes in Minnesota!
I haven’t been on a winter hike in a long time, but these trails all look like a lot of fun with some nice scenery!
Thanks! We do have some of the best winter hikes in Minnesota and the Twin Cities specificially.
The scenery look absolutely pristine, but I’m not sure I could endure hiking in those cold temps. Brr!! It looks gorgeous!
I felt the same way for many years. But I learned that if I dress appropriately, winter hiking can be a fun adventure while staying warm.
These hikes look amazing. I’ve only done snowshoeing once and loved it. I prefer it to cross-country skiing.
Thank you! Snowshoeing is a great workout and a fun alternative to winter hiking in Minnesota.
So much fun reading about the best winter hikes in and near the Twin Cities! I will share this with my cousin who lives near the Twin Cities! I live in the desert of the SW so it never really feels like winter, so I just love seeing and hearing about the magical snowy climates! One of these days I’ll head somewhere to have a white Christmas again!
Thank you for sharing! We do have some beautiful places to hike in the Twin Cities in the winter.
What a fun list of winter hikes near the Twin Cities! I’d love to hike Minnehaha and see those gorgeous frozen waterfalls!
Thank you! The frozen waterfalls of Minnehaha Falls in Minneapolis is pretty spectacular. One of my favorite hikes in the winter.
I’m a Florida gal so all of this looks like I’d be freezing. However, I like hiking so these winter hikes in the Twin Cities look absolutely beautiful!
Ha! It might be a bit chilly! But if you dress warm, winter hiking is a lot of fun in the Twin Cities.
Wow! I love the Twin Cities and how much green space around there. But I’ve never done winter hiking in MN. Saving for a future trip!
Awesome! I love our green spaces in the Twin Cities also. And loved that I discovered winter hiking in and near Minneapolis and St. Paul.
Winter hiking in Minnesota sounds cold! These look like great locations to check out!
It can be cold but if you dress appropriately you’ll be sweating. Winter hiking is a great way to get out and enjoy the snow months in the Twin Cities.
I’d love to do any of the hikes, especially the frozen waterfall one. So pretty! I wish we got as much snow as you do.
The frozen waterfall trails in the Twin Cities are especially beautiful. It makes for rewarding winter hikes.
These winter hikes look like some beautiful options near the Twin Cities!
Thank you! Minnesota does offer some beautiful hiking trails in the Twin Cities.
Oh wow what a great list of winter hikes in Minnesota. I think my favourite one from your list is the frozen waterfall hike. I always find frozen waterfalls stunning. Thanks for sharing.
You’re welcome and thank you! Frozen waterfall hikes are the best part of winter in Minnesota.
Wow! You are so lucky to have these fabulous hikes right on your doorstep. I love hiking in winter and find winter landscapes incredibly beautiful. I would love to do the hike with the frozen waterfalls especially.
Thank you! I do feel blessed that we have so many beautiful winter hikes here in Minnesota. The frozen waterfalls are the best!
Wow, those winter wonderland landscapes are just beautiful. I’m not used to hiking in the snow like that, so thanks for the tips. But for the views of High Falls at Grand Portage State Park I’d give it a try!
Checking out the frozen waterfall in Grand Portage State Park in Minnesota is worth the drive and winter hike. So pretty!
If you have all the right gear for the weather and terrain, winter hiking can be quiet enjoyable.
I agree! As long as you’re dressed appropriately – and not dangerously cold – winter hiking is a lot of fun.
I’m not really a hiker but I love nature and winter destinations. This looks like a gorgeous place to visit! Thanks for the amazing photos!
My pleasure and thank you! Many of these hiking trails are easily accessible even in the winter.
I spent a few winters in Minnesota when I was in grad school and Minnesota winters are legit. The hiking is unbelievably beautiful and frosty cold. This is a great list of additional hikes to try when I get back to Minnesota some winter.
Thank you! So many beautiful winter hikes in Minnesota.
These winter hikes in MN look gorgeous! I may need to buy some winter clothes for this!
Thank you! As long as you dress warm, you can enjoy winter hikes in Minnesota.
These are wonderful winter hikes in Minnesota! I’m enjoying being outdoors this winter. A first for me!
Thank you! I only started embracing winter hikes two years ago and am a huge fan. Love all the winter hiking trails in the Twin Cities and throughout Minnesota.
MN is a gorgeous location! The hikes near the Twin Cities sound amazing.
Thank you! Lots of gorgeous hikes in and near the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, MN.
A fantastic selection of winter walks. I particularly like the frozen waterfalls. The High Falls at Grand Portage State Park are just stunning.
Thank you. So many beautiful winter hikes in Minnesota!
The winter hike I know in the south of Spain is so different from the winter hike in Minnesota. The frozen waterfalls sounds wonderful! #flyingbaguette
I’m sure they are very different! I love frozen waterfall hikes in Minnesota – best thing to do in the winter.
These are all so beautiful! They make me cold just looking but I would give them a go!. I do love a frozen waterfall.
Thank you! As long as you dress properly, you’ll love the frozen waterfall hikes. They’re so beautiful!
The winter hike I know in the south of Spain is so different from the winter hike in Minnesota – like the opposite sides of a magnet. The frozen waterfall sounds wonderful! #flyingbaguette
Ha! Yes, winter hiking in Minnesota would be quite different from the south of Spain! Love sharing our beautiful state.
As always, you are the hiking guru of MN! It’s so great to give people ideas on winter hikes, the winter months can be such a challenge! Well done on putting this list together!
Thank you so much, Lannie! I’m a latecomer when it comes to winter hiking in Minnesota. And now I love it!
Minnehaha Waterfall and the High Falls look so amazing. Watching two people break through thin ice covering a creek would be super-scary. Glad no one died.
It makes perfect sense to be to stay on the paths, avoid night hiking, and to let someone know where you’re going and when you’re planning on being back.
Thanks! Chasing frozen waterfalls helps to get outside during cold Minnesota winters.